West Chatham YMCA and the Kiwanis Club of Pooler/West Chatham, in partnership with The Dream Big Foundation and Paper Pie Distributor, are proud to announce the launch of “Book Buddy Express” — one of Chatham County’s first book vending machine programs, designed to encourage literacy and empower young minds.
The official unveiling of the “Book Buddy Express” book vending machine will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 11 AM during the Healthy Kids Day event at the West Chatham YMCA, located at 165 Isaac G. LaRoche Drive. Healthy Kids Day is a free, family-friendly event celebrated across the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
This book vending machine is part of a larger initiative titled “Read and Rise: Empowering Young Minds” — a literacy-focused program that will directly benefit more than 250 children enrolled in West Chatham YMCA’s programs.
The vending machine is stocked with high-quality children’s books and does not accept money. Instead, children earn gold tokens through good behavior and active participation, which they can use to “purchase” a book of their choice to take home and keep.
“By investing in literacy now, we’re giving our children a stronger future,” said Shelly Fickau, executive branch director of the West Chatham YMCA. “This book vending machine is more than a tool, it’s a symbol of opportunity, encouragement, and community support. We’re excited to bring this meaningful resource to the heart of Pooler and the West Chatham community.”
The “Book Buddy Express” was made possible through local fundraising efforts, a grant from The Kiwanis Foundation, and the collaborative efforts of key partners:
The Dream Big Foundation, founded by Chatham County educators Brittany and Travis Perry, will help implement and evaluate the ongoing program.
Paper Pie Distributor, a children’s book provider, is supporting the project through their Literacy for a Lifetime™ grant matching program.
“At Kiwanis of Pooler, GA, we believe that this unique program has the potential to make a significant impact on the children involved,” said Kathy Kerrigan, Grant Writer & Fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Pooler/West Chatham.
This initiative is designed to engage not only children, but also their families and the community at large — helping to build a stronger future for all. The “Book Buddy Express” book vending machine aims to promote literacy, inspire a love of reading, and nurture the next generation of leaders in Pooler and West Chatham.
“By enhancing the West Chatham YMCA children, we can help set these young individuals on the path to becoming more successful adults. Together, we can create meaningful change that resonates throughout our entire community,” Kerrigan added.
Free and open to the public, this annual event features a day of fun-filled activities to celebrate kids being kids!
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites families to join in the celebration of Healthy Kids Day®, a free, annual event aimed at promoting health and wellness among children and families. Ten of our branches across Coastal Georgia will either host or celebrate the event, generally taking place from 10am to 2pm (see below for details). Each branch will offer unique activities tailored to the community it serves.
From interactive games to educational workshops and classes, Healthy Kids Day® is a day of fun and exploration for all ages. As part of the festivities, the YMCA will kick off the summer season and provide families with more information about summer camp and aquatics programming.
Event Details:
What: The YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites families to celebrate Healthy Kids Day®, a free, annual event featuring a day of fun-filled activities to celebrate kids being kids.
When: Saturday, April 26, generally from 10am to 2pm, depending on the branch (see below for details).
Where: Across YMCA branches throughout Coastal Georgia. Please see below for specific branch activities.
From 10am to 1pm, the West Chatham YMCA at 165 Isaac G Laroche Dr. in Pooler will feature bounce houses, face painting, a friendship bracelet station, field games including an obstacle course, and a healthy snack-making station. At 11am, the Kiwanis Club of West Pooler and the West Chatham YMCA in partnership with The Dream Big Foundation and Paper Pie Distributor, will unveil the “Book Buddy Express,” the first book vending machine program in Chatham County. There will also be vision tests and other community resources on site. Attendees can participate in an outdoor survival class demonstration, a basketball coaching session, and a boxing demonstration. There will also be adoptable puppies from Renegade Paws Rescue.
The Islands Family Y at 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd. will feature a variety of arts and crafts vendors, a bounce house, face painting, local businesses (a chiropractor, a registered dietician, etc.), sack races, Kona Ice, hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the Lions Club and Coastal Pet Rescue. There will also be a Taekwondo demonstration and a gymnastics demonstration.
The Habersham YMCA at 6400 Habersham St. will have a 40-yard dash, sack races, HIIT, yoga, volleyball, soccer games, spin classes, and aerobics group classes. There will also be a DJ, food trucks, and a bounce house. Community vendors and organizations will include Bench Mark Therapy, the Department of Health, Healthy Savannah, Blood Connection, Stretch Zone, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, Future Building Blocks Life Coach, and Certified Runz Group, Wing N It Savannah (Best Wings in Town), and Kayak Kafe (Best Greens In Town).
The Golden Isles YMCA at 144 Scranton Connector in Brunswick will host activities throughout all areas of their facility including the pool, basketball gym, lobby, front yard, game room, and the outdoor park. Attendees can enjoy group exercise classes, Kona Ice, a bounce house and camp games. In attendance will be community partners from SOAR, Georgia Diamonds Dance, Special Olympics, Yoshukai Karate and Renal Care 360.
The Liberty County/Armed Services YMCA at 201 Mary Lou Dr. in Hinesville is pairing the day’s festivities with local vendors, food trucks and the Hinesville Police Department. They will also hold lifeguard races, a sensory station, an obstacle course and carnival style games. Gymnastics will hold an open house.
The Guyton branch at 718 Central Blvd., will be hosting a vendor event with food trucks and field day activities including parachute races, sack races, Tug of War, Mini Hoops, volleyball, Giant Jenga, bounce houses, a water slide, arts and crafts and a YMCA hiring event for summer camp counselors. They are teaming up with Two Rivers Health Clinic and Georgia Access for this event.
The Effingham YMCA at 1224 Patriot Dr. in Rincon will offer bounce houses, splatter paint, karate, and a mini pony with other animals from a local petting zoo. Attendees can also enjoy hands-on games with camp counselors, a small selection of food vendors, face painting, a book giveaway, Touch A Truck with a firetruck. There will also be vendors for parents that need goods and services.
Tybee Island YMCA is excited to host Healthy Kids from 12pm to 2pm in Memorial Park on Tybee. They are teaming up with community partners including the Tybee Island Police Department, Tybee Island Fire Department, Chatham County Health Department, Tybee Ballet, and more. There will be snacks, games, activities, and an inflatable.
Richmond Hill YMCA will be joining forces with the 7th Annual Spring Fling hosted by the Richmond Hill Fire Department at JF Gregory Park from 10 to 2pm. The Spring Fling event will last until 6pm with live music, a car show, duck race, mechanical bull, a bounce house, vendors and food trucks.
The Statesboro Family YMCA will collaborate with the Statesboro Art Fest, providing a wide variety of activities for all ages. There will be craft stations and more information for families about how to register for summer camp.
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is changing the Welcome Center (front desk) hours of operation across all branches. We are committed to providing our members with the best possible service during our new hours.
Effective March 30, our Welcome Centers will be open at new times. Please click on the branch below, then click “hours” to see the updated Welcome Center hours for your specific branch. Our branch facility hours of operation will remain the same.
During these hours, we will conduct normal business operations where we will accommodate all payment membership needs. Our website is always available for business transactions outside of our welcome center hours.
We understand that this change may require some adjustment, and we appreciate your understanding as we make this transition. Our team remains dedicated to providing you with exceptional service during these new hours.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Welcome Center staff. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
On Wednesday, March 26, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia received a generous $25,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation to support its popular Wellness Wednesday program. The funding, which is through the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, will help expand and sustain the YMCA’s efforts in providing vital health education and wellness programs to the community.
“We at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia are excited and thankful about the partnership that we share with HCA Healthcare, especially as we were awarded $25,000 through the HCA Healthcare Foundation,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
“This funding will help us strengthen and sustain our wellness programming at all locations, continuing to deliver meaningful health education to the communities we serve,” he added.
The HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund is a community impact fund focused on addressing high-priority community needs.
“At HCA Healthcare, we believe partnerships are essential to advancing our mission to care for and improve human life,” said Joanne Pulles, president of the HCA Healthcare Foundation. The Healthier Tomorrow Fund supports partnerships with health and workforce-related nonprofits along with charities that have evidenced-based programs that address community needs and aligned health focus areas.
Brad Talbert, Memorial Health chief executive officer said, “The Wellness Wednesday program at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia impacts the mission of both organizations’ to improve the lives of our community. This partnership allows us to provide health education on important topics such as heart disease, stroke, fall prevention, cancer prevention and more to YMCA members to help build a healthier community.”
Wellness Wednesdays at the YMCA and the ongoing partnership with Memorial Health and the HCA Healthcare Foundation underscores the Y’s commitment to strengthening communities through healthy living.
On Tuesday, March 25, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting, bringing together over 200 attendees, including YMCA board members, employees, and community members.
This year’s event, themed “Out of This World,” was a celebration of the YMCA’s impact throughout 2024 and its continued commitment to strengthening communities across the state.
The meeting showcased the incredible work done by the YMCA, highlighting the reach of its programs and the positive changes the organization made over the past year.
Joel Smoker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, reflected on the year’s achievements: “Our 170th Annual Meeting is an important time to reflect on the history of impact our organization has had. I’m so proud of the amazing work our staff, volunteers, and partners have had in changing lives across the region.”
The event featured recognition of board members, staff awards, and community impact awards, which highlighted outstanding contributions to the Y’s mission.
Shelly Fickau, branch director of the West Chatham YMCA, who played an important role in organizing the event, added, “It was an honor to see so many dedicated individuals come together to celebrate the Y’s mission. From the mission moment to the recognition of our incredible staff, the energy in the room was truly inspiring. We’re excited to continue this journey and look forward to making an even greater impact in 2025.”
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia remains committed to fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility throughout the region. As we look ahead, the Y is excited to continue building on its legacy of positive change for years to come.
On Monday, March 3, the Statesboro Family YMCA celebrated a major milestone in community wellness with the official launch of its revolutionary EGYM system. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the occasion, making the Statesboro Family YMCA the ninth branch in the YMCA of Coastal Georgia to offer this innovative fitness technology.
EGYM is a groundbreaking fitness system that customizes workouts for individuals of all fitness levels, while creating a more efficient and effective exercise experience.
Mary Arocha, senior vice president of healthy living for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, highlighted the system’s ability to make exercise accessible to everyone: “When people come in for the first time to an exercise facility, sometimes it can be very intimidating, they don’t know where to get started, and the EGYM helps them to get on their fitness journey at whatever level that they are.”
Through intelligent workout equipment and digital integration, EGYM adapts to each user’s progress, ensuring that every workout is personalized and impactful. “The reason that the YMCA of Coastal Georgia invests in this strength and conditioning circuit is because it’s a revolutionary way to exercise—it’s for health seekers,” Arocha added.
Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony featured key speakers, including Bryan Realiza, board chair for the Statesboro Family YMCA.
Realiza shared his excitement for EGYM’s integration into the community: “One of the things that we pride ourselves on here at the Statesboro YMCA is innovation,” Realiza said, noting the branch’s early adaptation of 24/7 access and Esports offerings.
“We’re very excited to have this innovative option for our guests to really expand the way that people look at exercise,” he shared. “This is a great way to bridge the gap between something fun and also daily exercise, which we know is very beneficial for your overall health.”
Hannah Beggs, executive branch director of the Statesboro Family YMCA, encouraged members to test out the new system. “We do on onboarding and from there you’re going to tap your bracelet, and it does all the work for you. It knows your machine, it knows your weight, your height—it gives you a customized workout that’s less intimidating.”
With its launch at the Statesboro Family YMCA, EGYM is set to revolutionize the way members experience fitness, reinforcing the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community health and wellness for all.
As the only fitness organization in the region to offer EGYM, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia continues to lead the way in innovative wellness solutions for our communities.
We’re excited to announce that the Women’s Locker Room will reopen on Wednesday, February 12th!
Please note: Our new lockers are on back order and are expected to arrive in April. In the meantime, some of the old lockers will be temporarily placed in the space until the new ones arrive.
Men’s Locker Room Renovations:
February 17th: Bathroom and shower areas will be closed. The dry area will remain open until Friday, February 28th.
After February 28th: The entire men’s locker room will be closed for renovation.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue improving your Y experience. 💪 If you have questions, please check in with our Welcome Center staff.
The annual YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest kicks off this weekend, January 31 and February 1, bringing runners and families from across the region to Tybee Island for a two-day celebration of health, wellness, and community. Hosted by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, the event benefits youth programs that serve children and families throughout Coastal Georgia.
Participants can choose to run one race or complete all five to reach a total of 26.2 miles—the equivalent of a full marathon. The weekend promises something for everyone, whether you’re a serious runner or just looking to enjoy a fun, family-friendly event.
Friday: The Taste
The festivities begin on Friday evening with the Mauldin & Jenkins Kid’s Run at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Chamacos Tacos & Surf 5K at 6:00 p.m. Runners will enjoy music by Gary Strickland, delicious food from local vendors, and beverages provided by generous sponsors.
Friday night also offers a special preview of the Savannah Magazine VIP Experience from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring private lounge access, assorted beverages, and grab-and-go snacks.
Saturday: The Test
Saturday morning kicks off bright and early with the Southern Cross Hospitality 10K at 7:00 a.m., followed by the Chu’s Mart Half Marathon at 8:30 a.m., the Keystone Association Managers 2.8-Mile Beach Run at 12:00 p.m., and the West Construction One-Mile Run at 1:00 p.m. Racers can push themselves to new limits, whether tackling one event or completing the entire marathon distance.
Post-race festivities will feature rotating local food vendors, Creature Comforts beer for those eligible to partake, and more music by Gary Strickland. Over 1,200 runners are expected to participate this year, with weather forecasts predicting warmer temperatures than in past years.
VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive Savannah Magazine Saturday VIP Experience from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., which includes bottomless mimosas in a souvenir cup, sweet and savory treats from Byrd Cookie Company, Le Macaron French Pastries, Savannah Bee Company, and more.
Commitment to Sustainability
This year, the YMCA is making an extra effort to keep Tybee Island clean by partnering with Hiccup Earth to replace plastic water cups with sterile, reusable alternatives at aid stations along the course. Additionally, Savannah Distributing will provide post-race beer in recyclable cans, and Curbie Sanitation will supply additional recycling bins.
A Regional Impact
Proceeds from the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest support vital youth programs across the entire Coastal Georgia region. These programs help children build confidence, learn valuable skills, and achieve their potential in a supportive environment.
“The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest is a powerful example of how our community comes together to support meaningful causes,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Every race registration directly contributes to programs that help children across Coastal Georgia build confidence, learn new skills, and reach their full potential. We’re proud to continue this tradition and grateful for the community’s incredible support.”
Register Now
It’s not too late to sign up! Registration is open at TybeeRunFest.com. Participants can register for individual races or sign up for all five events to complete the full marathon.
On Saturday, all YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches will operate with adjusted hours. Please note the following:
Opening Time: All branches will open at 8:30 am, unless their regular opening time is later, in which case they will open on schedule. Closing will be at the regular time.
Sports:All sports activities, including games and practices, are cancelled for the day.
Services: There will be no Childwatch, group fitness classes, or other scheduled programs available on Saturday.
24-Hour Access: For branches with 24-hour access, this feature should now be fully operational.
As always, your safety is our top priority. Please use caution while traveling, as some roads and bridges may still have icy patches. Stay informed by following guidance from local and regional authorities.
For ongoing updates and details, please bookmark this page.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the Y!
The new year is a time for fresh starts, bold goals, and the resolve to make positive changes. If you’re looking for a place to kick off 2025 with purpose, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia is here for you.
Through January 31, the Y is offering an unbeatable opportunity: join for free with $0 joiner’s fee and your first month on us. But the Y is so much more than just a gym—it’s a community, a resource, and a partner in your journey to better health and well-being.
Your Fitness Goals, Your Way
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or taking your first steps toward fitness, the Y has something for everyone. Our branches are equipped with top-notch facilities, including pools, gymnasiums, and group exercise studios. Plus, our EGYM Smart Fitness system—a cutting-edge personalized workout solution available at seven locations and coming soon to Tybee Island YMCA—takes the guesswork out of fitness.
With intuitive technology that adapts to your goals and progress, EGYM helps you stay on track while building confidence and strength. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket!
Building Community Along the Way
When you join the YMCA, you’re not just signing up for a fitness membership—you’re becoming part of a movement. At the Y, workout friends become lifelong friends, and good habits become meaningful routines. You’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are cheering for your success, and you’ll also have opportunities to give back to your community.
Programs like A Place to Dream, which provides beds to children in need, and programs like free swim lessons for underserved communities are just a few examples of how the Y strengthens Coastal Georgia every day. When you join the Y, you’re helping fund initiatives that make our neighborhoods healthier and more connected.
Why Wait?
The new year is already here, and the best time to start is now. Joining the YMCA of Coastal Georgia means you’re investing in yourself and your community. Here’s what you’ll get when you join:
State-of-the-art fitness options like EGYM and group exercise classes.
Programs for every member of the family, from youth sports to senior wellness.
A welcoming, inclusive space where you can work on your goals at your own pace.
Access to all YMCA branches across Coastal Georgia.
Join Today
This special offer ends January 31, so don’t let it pass you by! Sign up for free at ymcaofcoastalga.org or stop by any of our branches to get started.
Make 2025 the year you strengthen your resolve, focus on your health, and build stronger connections in your community. At the Y, it’s not just about what you achieve—it’s about who you become and the difference you make.
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